At times, Anthony Bourdain is too acidic for the gentle, gingham-tablecloth-loving foodie. After flinging insults at Food Network’s Paula Deen, even a former New York Times food critic called Bourdain an elitist bully.

Still, the former chef’s wicked wit — which buoyed his best-sellers “Kitchen Confidential” (2001) and “Medium Raw” (2010); and continues to get Travel Channel airtime on “No Reservations” and “The Layover,” his new show about speed-sightseeing global hub cities — is part of his straight-shooting allure.

See the most provocative mouth in food when Bourdain carts a live, multimedia show (with Q&A!) to the Spreckels Theatre on Friday. Just don’t ask him where he’ll be eating in San Diego. When we phoned Bourdain’s home in New York, while he was resting between film shoots in Mozambique and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, his answer sortof disappointed us.

Anthony Bourdain live

Q: You were in town last year promoting your book. What will we get this time?

A: I’ve been working very hard on an audiovisual performance, more of a show-and-tell (that lets) people into the process of having the best job in the world. These are just little few-seconds-long clips to get me to extrapolate or to illustrate stuff I want to talk about … certain principles of travel, television, being a good guest. … I think it’s safe to say there will be adult language and situations.

Q: Are you going to spend any time eating here?

A: I’m sure I won’t have time. I go to all these cool cities with good food on these speaking little mini tours. Of course the number one question from the audience is, “Where are you eating in town?” And the answer is always tragic or shameful. I just don’t get a chance to go out and enjoy myself. … Otherwise I’d be eating San Diego uni in great quantities. The sea urchin is the best in the world. Even the Japanese say it’s the best there is.

What Bourdain packs

"I load a lot of books and apps into my iPad. I bring a laptop to write on and to watch DVDs. Some Moleskin notebooks, my phone, comfortable shoes...I’ve been wearing a lot of desert boots because they’re easy to whip off and on at airline security, particularly with 'The Layover.' What else? Pharmaceuticals. You know, anti-diarrhea medicine, antibiotics and stuff that knocks you out on the plane."

Q: OK. When will you highlight San Diego on one of your shows?

A: In “No Reservations?” That part of California? No reason why not. There’s always a moment where something clicks for us, we’re always looking for a way in. I need a particular contact, I’ll bump into somebody who says, “I raise sea urchin, I’m a diver.” Or I’ll see a movie that’s shot in San Diego and I’ll want to riff off that style.